Mardell recently told Autocar that all current Jaguar models will have to come off sale by 2025 because they will look nothing like their replacements.
“When we launch our new JEA platform, the change from today on Jaguar is very dramatic,” he said. “We don’t want older-looking cars and newer-looking cars.” To that end, the silhouette of each new Jaguar will be a radical departure from that of even its most closely related predecessor.
For example, while the large electric limousine at the heart of the proposed three-strong model range is best thought of as a spiritual successor to the XJ, it won’t ape the swooping three-box shape shared by each of that car’s five generations.
Instead, Autocar’s source indicates that it will adopt a radically minimalist new look with no obvious inspiration from any model past or present. Described as comparable in size to the Bentley Mulsanne – which was 5575mm long as standard – the new saloon will have a low-slung silhouette defined by sharp surfacing and generous proportions.
The flat front end will host ultra-slim LED headlights arranged in a distinctive new pattern around a non-functional grille-style structure that will come to be known as the new face of Jaguar.
It will be joined at a near-90deg angle to an expansive, probing bonnet that’s said to be longer than that of any previous Jaguar.
Other defining features of both the saloon and its GT and SUV stablemates include a ‘floating’ roof effect achieved by black A- and B-pillars, striking 22in alloy wheel designs and a range of overtly luxurious paint options including brushed gold and silver.
The tail-lights, meanwhile, are said to be integrated into ultra-thin slits that run across the wide-arched rear end and will be ‘invisible’ when the cars are turned off, as is the case with the latest Range Rover. None of the three cars will feature a rear window, in a move mirroring that of Swedish EV maker Polestar.
